Breaching the mighty dams of the Ruhr Valley in Germany in 1943 is perhaps the best-known RAF Bomber Command raid of the Second World War. It showed that Britain could mount a precision attack at range, but it came at a price in the air and on the ground. Paul Beaver, the noted aviation historian, will take you through the preparation for the raid, the people, the machines and the aftermath. The tour will start in Britain as you understand how No 617 Squadron was formed and how the Avro Lancaster bomber was modified for purpose. In Germany, you'll look at the Dams and discuss the risks in low flying across a war-torn country and how the breaching of the Dams helped shorten the war.
The RAF's No 617 Squadron was assembled in March 1943 with the distinct mission to bomb three dams in Germany's industrial heartland in Operation Chastise. This specialist precision bombing unit and the operation became known as the Dambusters, and the individuals involved were lauded as war heroes.
The mission involved 133 aircrew flying 19 specially adapted Lancaster bombers carrying drum-shaped 'bouncing bombs' developed by British engineer Barnes Wallis. The attack followed only eight weeks of intensive training and technical preparation and was led by 24-year-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the only person who knew the full details of the mission before it departed on 16 May 1943 under cover of darkness.
On a six-day trip in July 2023, you'll learn the finer points of Operation Chastise, with special insight from Paul Beaver, a special forces historian and pilot, and Andy Johnson, an accredited member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides. Both will offer expert commentary as you visit key sites in 'Bomber County' in Lincolnshire, where Guy Gibson planned the attacks and the squadron trained before flying to Germany to see the dams they bombed.
This illuminating tour begins at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. You'll also visit the No 617 Squadron RAF Memorial, Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, and the International Bomber Command Centre, which collectively piece together the stories of those involved. You'll spend a night at the Petwood Hotel in Lincolnshire.
You will be joined for dinner on the second day of your trip by Squadron Leader Mark 'Suggs' Sugden***. Suggs is a fighter pilot who has previously flown Tornado F3s, instructed on the Hawk T1 and brought the Hawk T2 into service, and has flown the Eurofighter Typhoon since 2013. You will have the opportunity to ask him questions and hear fascinating stories from his time as a fighter pilot and his recent appointment as commander of the BBMF.
You'll fly to Dusseldorf from London to see the raid's targets, learning more about the individuals and heroes that made the mission possible with two evening lectures. Over three days in Germany, you'll visit the three dams bombed by Operation Chastise, hearing more about the devastating damage inflicted and the casualties on both sides.
* From price is per person, FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £240. Deposit 20% plus flights. **Subject to the Lancaster bomber being on site. ***Dinner with Mark will not be confirmed until May. A good degree of mobility is required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded) and In The Footsteps.
* From price is per person, FOR ALL OTHER READERS, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £240. Deposit 20% plus flights. **Subject to the Lancaster bomber being on site. ***Dinner with Mark will not be confirmed until May. A good degree of mobility is required for this trip. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded) and In The Footsteps.
Your tour begins in London where you will check in to the Thistle Hotel T5 London Heathrow Airport. This evening you will have a welcome meeting with the rest of your group at the hotel bar. Spend the evening at your leisure.
After breakfast, this morning you will visit Imperial War Museum Duxford. You will learn about the pivotal role it played in some of the most dramatic days in 20th century history, serving as a base for many of the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots during the Second World War.
This afternoon you will travel to Lincolnshire, England's 'Bomber County'. You'll check in to the Petwood Hotel, which was once home to the Dambusters Officers Mess and visit the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for a chance to see the Lancaster bomber** at RAF Coningsby, a Typhoon base in Lincolnshire.
There's a group dinner in the hotel's dining room tonight and you will be joined by Sqn Ldr Mark 'Suggs' Sugden. Sugden is an experienced fighter pilot and will share stories from his extensive career.***
After breakfast, check out of the Petwood Hotel and travel to Woodhall Spa to see the No 617 Squadron Memorial that commemorates the sacrifice of 204 aircrew in the Dambuster squadron in the Second World War.
After a moment of reflection, continue to Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre in East Kirkby, home of the Lancaster Bomber NX611, Just Jane, where work is ongoing to restore her to an airworthy condition.
Next, visit the International Bomber Command Centre. The centre acknowledges the efforts of Bomber Command During the Second World War, bringing to life the stories of those who suffered as a result of the bombing campaigns and those whose survival was protected by the humanitarian operations of Bomber Command.
Depart for London and check in to the Thistle Hotel, London Heathrow airport.
There's an early start this morning, departing the hotel and making the short journey to the departure hall at London Heathrow airport for your flight to Düsseldorf.
On arrival in Düsseldorf, a coach will take you on a 90-minute transfer to Haus Delecke, where you'll stay for the next two nights.
This afternoon, there's a visit to Möhne Dam, which No 617 Squadron breached in 1943. Tonight, join your group for dinner and a lecture on the raid.
Today, you'll visit the crash site where Lancaster M for Mother crashed after being damaged by flak on the way to the dam, then crippled by the bomb blast. You'll also visit Eder Dam, which was also breached in Operation Chastise.
Tonight, there's dinner at a local restaurant with a lecture.
After breakfast, you'll check out of the hotel and visit Sorpe - the only dam that remained intact - and the Neheim Cemetery before departing for the airport, stopping en route to pick up lunch at your own expense before the flight home.
An elegant Lincolnshire hotel steeped in history
The Petwood is one of the most memorable places to stay in Lincolnshire. Once home to 617 Squadron, The Dambusters, and surrounded by acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland, the hotel is steeped in British history. Enjoy the award-winning dining and explore the charming village of Woodhall Spa, or stroll in the spectacular grounds. Whatever the occasion, the Petwood is among the most memorable places to visit, dine or stay in the heart of "Bomber County", Lincolnshire.
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* From price is per person, FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £240. Deposit 20% plus flights. **Subject to the Lancaster bomber being on site. ***Dinner with Mark will not be confirmed until May. A good degree of mobility is required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded) and In The Footsteps.
* From price is per person, FOR ALL OTHER READERS, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £240. Deposit 20% plus flights. **Subject to the Lancaster bomber being on site. ***Dinner with Mark will not be confirmed until May. A good degree of mobility is required for this trip. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded) and In The Footsteps.
